We are 100% committed to providing
you the absolute best dental service in a
warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We are 100% committed to providing
you the absolute best dental service in a
warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Meet Dr. Kim
Dr. Lucio H. Kim's advanced training and expertise provides the finest dental care available.
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Why Choose Us?
If you haven't been to the dentist in 1,2,5,10 years you are not alone!
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Choosing a dentist can be frustrating and confusing, and with so many dentists to choose from, it can feel like an impossible task. And if you live in Burbank, you might be wondering why you would ever consider driving to Glendale for dental care, right?
Well, I’m here to tell you that I’ve found the most amazing dental office in Glendale, ...
Ever take a bite of your favorite burger after a day at Brand Park or chat with friends over coffee in Montrose, only to hear a little click coming from your jaw? It can catch you off guard, especially the first few times it happens. Fortunately, not every jaw click is cause for concern.
As your local jaw clicking dentist treating ...
For many, summer is the best time of the year; it’s when your family can finally go on that much-needed vacation, you enjoy gatherings with your friends, and you can spend some time soaking up the sun. And if you’re lucky enough to live in Glendale, CA, you can do some shopping at The Americana at Brand, take a stroll ...
Whether you’re hiking the Catalina Verdugo Trail or the Mountain Do Trail, I want you to enjoy a safe experience this spring. Of course, hiking and walking are excellent forms of exercise, but long treks can also encourage smile-damaging habits. I want to help you avoid the pitfalls.
In this blog, I unpack the following topics:
Spring has sprung, and so have some exciting events like The Cherry Blossom Festival at the Shoseian Teahouse!
Just as the park refreshes its look each spring during cherry blossom season, you can refresh your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Here's how to update your greatest accessory (your smile) so it's camera-ready as you head outside for spring and ...
As a long-time dentist in Glendale, CA, I like setting goals for myself and my patients. For myself, I aim to be:
“A no BS, honest, ethical, and kind doctor with long-term staff that will take excellent care of you.”
I believe I’ve achieved that goal thanks to my amazing team of professionals who share my patient-centered focus.
My goal for patients is ...
Have you ever wondered whether the water coming from your tap in Glendale is suitable for your teeth? Parents, in particular, have questions about fluoride, water hardness, and filtration as they make the best decisions for their children’s oral health.
The short answer? Yes, Glendale’s drinking water is safe, carefully regulated, and beneficial for dental health. The longer answer explains why ...
Each year, thousands of dollars in end-of-year dental benefits go unused, whether due to busy schedules or simply because patients forget to book their preventive or restorative visits in time.
As 2025 winds down, chances are your calendar is filling up. Before it gets too packed, it’s important to consider safeguarding your dental health while maximizing your dental benefits. At Lucio ...
Updated in May 2026
Glendale has always been a city where smiles matter. It has a special connection with the entertainment industry, establishing itself as an important hub for film and animation production. It also lies in close proximity to Hollywood.
The quest for perfect smiles began in Hollywood’s golden age, and today, Glendale residents can reap the benefits of decades of ...
Updated in June of 2026
Dental veneers are a popular option in cosmetic dentistry for several reasons. In this blog, your dentist shares the top seven and discusses candidacy and care.
Dental veneers are thin shells of durable porcelain, custom-designed to match the natural appearance of your smile. Your dentist fixes these cosmetic restorations to the fronts of teeth.
Updated in April of 2026
So, you've just been told you need major dental work. It could be a root canal, an extraction, or a treatment plan that involves multiple procedures. Your brain might be buzzing: "Is this really necessary? Am I making the right choice? Is there another option?"
At the Glendale dental office of Dr. Lucio H. Kim, we welcome ...
Finding a dental office where you feel genuinely welcome and well-cared for isn’t always easy. If you’ve been searching for a new dentist in Glendale, CA, you’ll find that patients in our community often share how Dr. Lucio Kim and our dedicated team have transformed their dental experience.
Located conveniently on East Glenoaks Boulevard in Rossmoyne, our office has become ...
Updated June 15, 2025
Ten years can feel like a lifetime regarding your dental health, and the thought of stepping into a dentist’s office after so long can feel overwhelming. You might worry about judgment or wonder if it’s too late to turn things around.
At Lucio H. Kim DDS, we want you to know that it’s never too late to ...
The holidays are a time of celebration, joy, and delicious food. There is, of course, a dark side to all of those delights: dental danger.
With sugary treats and festive drinks everywhere, it’s easy to let your dental health slide this time of year. The good news is that protecting your smile doesn’t mean skipping out on the fun — it ...
Maintaining a healthy, radiant smile doesn't have to be a daily chore. With the right at-home dental care habits, you can keep your teeth sparkling and your gums strong. When you prioritize fuss-free, user-friendly at-home care, you open the door to a lifetime of oral wellness.
Say goodbye to the stress of waiting anxiously for your next checkup, wondering what issues ...
Your new porcelain veneers have transformed your smile, giving you a radiant, flawless look that boosts your confidence every time you catch a glimpse in the mirror. But these delicate, custom-crafted restorations require special care to ensure they continue dazzling for years to come.
Neglecting the maintenance of your veneers puts that stunning, life-changing smile at risk. Stains, chips, and other ...
Your first visit to a new dentist can feel a bit daunting—kind of like the first day at a new school. The good news is that understanding what to expect and how to prepare can go a long way toward simplifying and de-stressing the experience!
What does the preparation process for a first-timer at a new ...
When was the last time you visited your dentist in Glendale, CA? If you’re embarrassed by how long it’s been, don’t be! At Lucio H. Kim DDS, we understand life gets busy, and it’s easy to let dental appointments fall by the wayside. Whether it’s due to a hectic schedule, dental anxiety, or simply forgetting, there are countless reasons ...
For many patients, the prospect of a trip to the dentist comes with anxiety, if not genuine fear. Fortunately, dentists and oral surgeons have sedation dentistry at their disposal to ensure everyone receives the quality care they deserve without physical or emotional discomfort.
Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution for those who experience anxiety or discomfort during dental ...
If you’re new to the area, we would like to share a few local landmarks and things for you to do in your new city. We’ve also compiled a few tips to help you find the best cosmetic dentist in Glendale, CA.
If you’ve been contemplating cosmetic dentistry but don’t know where to start in Glendale, we’ve eliminated some of the ...
It’s true! No other tooth replacement option offers the benefits of dental implants, and they are so like natural teeth that you may forget which tooth is a prosthetic!
Of course, we offer various tooth replacement options, but dental implants are still the gold standard.
We design other ...
Dental emergencies can be both painful and frightening. Knowing what to do and where to go can make all the difference. Fortunately for patients in Glendale, CA, the Brush and Smile team, led by Dr. Lucio H. Kim, offers exceptional emergency dental care to help you manage and overcome these unexpected and unnerving challenges.
A ...
Dental crowns can work on their own in cosmetic and general dentistry, but they also play a part in tooth replacement. The bridge, on the other hand, relies on tooth crowns for anchoring and support.
As a Glendale, CA, dentist, I’m pleased to offer general and cosmetic dentistry, along with tooth replacement. Crowns are necessary under all these umbrellas.
Gum recession is a silent and slow-moving problem that can sneak up on your smile. It can be a side effect of gum disease or the result of vigorous brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush.
Today, we'll discuss why gum recession is problematic, what you can do about it, and how your Glendale dentist can help.
Like hair ...
If you’re considering adult orthodontics but think it’s too late to straighten your teeth, we want to assure you that it’s not! With today’s orthodontic options, more and more adults are undergoing treatment and achieving the smiles they’ve always wanted.
Your Glendale dentist can evaluate your teeth and help you choose the best option for your needs and goals.
Remember, orthodontics ...
Did you know that grinding your teeth can severely damage your smile? It typically happens at night while you sleep, so you may not even notice that you're doing it.
These concerns can be eliminated with a custom night guard made at Lucio H. Kim, DDS.
Here's what you should know about clenching and grinding your teeth.
Clenching and ...
The self-assuredness that comes from knowing your smile will light up any room is profoundly powerful. The confidence that comes with having a radiant and healthy smile makes a person feel more attractive and approachable to others and can have a beneficial impact in professional settings.
You deserve that!
Fortunately, if you're one of the millions of Americans for whom a bright, ...
Dental emergencies are scary, so it’s essential that you have the knowledge to understand what is going on and what to do if you or a loved one needs emergency dental care. Fortunately, the expert dental team at Lucio H. Kim, DDS, can help you in your time of need and get you back to your busy life. However, ...
A radiant smile can make a lasting impression, exuding confidence and vitality. Studies even show that cosmetic dentistry can have a positive impact on your self-esteem. However, age, diet, and lifestyle choices can lead to tooth discoloration over time.
The good news is that modern teeth-whitening techniques make achieving a brilliantly white smile easier than ever. In this comprehensive guide, ...
It's never great to receive bad news when you're in the dental chair, especially when you're told that you need one or more complex treatment procedures. Receiving that type of news may cause you to question if you're getting good advice about your dental care.
If this is the case for you, it never hurts to consider getting a second option ...
Preventive dental care refers to simple steps that we can take to minimize our risk of encountering serious issues that threaten our dental health (like tooth decay and gum disease) but also afflictions that can threaten our overall well-being.
One key aspect of preventative dental care takes place at home and in our personal ...
Updated in June of 2026
At our Glendale office, Dr. Kim regularly sees patients who have lived with bridge discomfort for weeks or months, assuming it would resolve on its own. It rarely does. If something feels off with your dental bridge, the information below can help you recognize what is happening and when it is time to call us.
If you ...
Gingivitis means infections and inflammation in the ligaments and tissues surrounding your teeth. Gum disease means that inflammation and infections have penetrated the bone. These are the two types of gum disease. However, gum disease can also be measured as a mild, moderate, or severe condition.
Your dentist in Glendale can reverse gingivitis, provided you arrange an appointment before your ...
Dental implants are the top choice among most dentists when it comes to tooth replacement. There are several reasons why they are the preferred method for smile restoration.
Your second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA, is happy to offer various dental implant options, including single implants and implant-supported prosthetics.
Let’s explore five facts about dental implants to learn why they are ...
Dental implants in Glendale are the best way to replace missing teeth. It’s true! When it comes to tooth loss, dental implants are the top recommendation among dentists. And a consultation determines whether they are safe and suitable for your tooth loss needs.
Your Glendale, CA, dentist offers various tooth replacement options, including dental implants. But under the umbrella ...
Updated on August 13th, 2025
Wondering if your gums can grow back? While lost gum tissue doesn’t naturally regenerate, there are proven treatments to restore your smile and prevent further damage. Here’s what causes gum recession, how to stop it, and the latest options your Glendale dentist offers.
Of course, gums recede for various reasons, so it’s also important to determine the ...
Updated in July of 2026
Lucio H. Kim DDS agrees with the American Dental Association that you should floss at least once each day and brush twice daily. Flossing is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing diseases like tooth decay and gum disease. Cavities and gum disease can lead to expensive and avoidable dental visits, and Dr. ...
For reasons too numerous to mention, you may find yourself searching for a dentist near me in Glendale, CA. Maybe you’ve just relocated to our community, or perhaps you’re just ready for a change. Either way, the internet age now offers more tools than ever before to help you make the ideal choice.
At Lucio H. Kim DDS, we always ...
Tooth loss is a common issue that affects millions of Americans every year. Having a missing tooth or several missing teeth can make daily activities like eating and speaking difficult.
If a person is missing a tooth, it’s imperative to replace it, or you can experience severe consequences that affect your oral and overall health. Replacing a missing tooth ...
People whiten their smiles for various reasons, including before weddings, travel plans, or just because they want a change. So if you have stained and discolored teeth, you may be thinking about your options—wondering how at-home systems compare with professional teeth whitening in Glendale, CA.
At-home systems, purchased in drugstores or online, may lift some stains, but they are ...
Even if you brush and floss twice each day or after every meal, you may not be doing it correctly. If you’re like many people—in a hurry or on the go—you may be rushing through oral hygiene routines or skipping them altogether.
Brushing and flossing are crucial to your long-term oral health. Your at-home routine, coupled with your Glendale, CA dentist’s ...
We offer gum disease treatment in Glendale, CA, and gum recession therapy. We do this because there are serious oral health issues that can lead to severe complications, including:
Gum disease has even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and low birth weight in babies.
Gingivitis or early-stage gum disease ...
Bruxism is a severe condition that causes patients to grind and clench their teeth during sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, it is estimated that 15 percent of adolescents have this condition, 8 percent of adults, and 3 percent of older adults. This statistic translates to millions of people across the globe.
A bruxism dentist in Glendale, ...
Our culture has grown through the last 100 years to be consumer-oriented. In the past, many experts may have felt above any questioning. However, dental providers now should expect to offer more information, answer questions, and even accept when clients wish to ‘shop around.’ Dental care is no exception to this trend.
If you have a question about a particular dental ...
Dr. Kim Lucio, your dentist in Glendale, CA provides high-quality dental crowns. These crowns have a variety of purposeful uses, from tooth restoration to tooth-replacement support and aesthetics.
If you have a damaged tooth in need of restoration or would like more information about our dental crowns, we encourage you to reach out to a team member at ...
Happy February!
As there is a light at the end of this long COVID tunnel, stay at home orders still loom over Los Angeles. The numbers keep rising with hospitals being overwhelmed. And this leads to a lot of not wanting to venture out..and with good reason!
But please DO NOT let that nagging feeling in your tooth or gums ...
I get this question on an almost daily basis at my Glendale dental practice.
Of course you can get a dental filling. The choice of treatment should always be yours. But there are always some risks associated with getting a large dental filling instead of a
Gum recession is a serious and common dental concern.
In most cases, it is caused by gum disease progression either through tobacco use or poor oral hygiene. Alternative causes include genetics, hormones, and harmful brushing habits. Unfortunately, even after gum disease is treated, gums will not grow back, leaving them open to continuous infection and long-looking teeth.
Many gum recession treatments are ...
As COVID cases are skyrocketing, with flu season coming and with testing, treatments, and vaccines all up in the air, is it safe to go to the dentist's office, even with all this going on? For my office, I offer a resounding "Yes, it is safe to go to the dental office!"
Dental care is essential for a healthy life. ...
Your gums consist of tissues that support your teeth. And these tissues can be affected by a number of conditions that result in recession. Recession means your gums pull away from your teeth and allow for pockets where bacteria can collect.
Unfortunately, gum recession (left untreated) can mean chronic infections and tooth loss in the future. We don’t want to see ...
Dental anxiety and phobias prevent many patients from getting the dental care they need and the advanced services they want.
Fortunately, your dentist in Glendale, CA can help you overcome these stresses so you can enjoy a healthy smile through innovative dentistry.
Let’s look at a few ways to manage dental anxiety in Glendale.
Establishing a trusting relationship with ...
Missing teeth present a lot of challenges in your daily routine and in the larger scope of your life. For example, when you go out to a restaurant with friends, you may not be able to order your favorite food because it is difficult to chew. You might also feel embarrassed about the appearance of your smile, causing you to ...
I hope this finds you and your family well! As the pandemic rages on, life that was put on pause still moves forward. The office is 100% up and running along with the necessary changes in patient intake protocol click here!
I wanted to emphasize how dental offices are keeping ourselves, our staff, and our patients safe during this ...
One of the many changes at our Glendale, CA office is that we now have medical-grade air scrubbers in the main lobby and in every room. They have the capacity to change out the air in the rooms 6-10 times per hour and are able to filter particles (mold bacteria and viruses) down to .1 microns!
This is important because
Just as we are emerging from the shutdown, the most common question I get from our patients is: "Is it safe to come back in?" Without hesitation, I say "Absolutely".
In fact, the dental office is probably one of the safer places you can go to.
We, dentists, have always been very OCD with being clean. You have to be in ...
I wanted to let you know what we are doing to keep ourselves and you safe in this still uncertain environment. Now the fact is that you will not get anything from us here at the office. What we are concerned about is getting things from you and from cross-contamination ...
The phrase "you need a root canal" is enough to send people into a cold sweat with flashbacks of the dentally iconic movie, marathon man. But nothing could be farther from the truth! Root canals have come a long way since Dustin Hoffman was forced to get one in 1976. Today they are a safe, and often necessary procedure that ...
During these difficult times, we want to remind everyone that we are still open for dental emergencies and can see you right away if you experience a severe dental injury.
When you hurt a tooth or part of your mouth, you shouldn’t wait to contact your Glendale, CA dentist. Dental emergencies ...
Hello all! Dr. Kim here. I hope you are all well during the coronavirus shut-in! I wanted to give you an update on what our Glendale dental office is doing to keep our patients and staff safe during the COVID-19 shutdown:
Dentistry is such a unique profession in many ways. Aerosols from the mouths of patients can be a risk factor ...
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we have long championed dental implants as the most lifelike tooth replacement option on the planet. Your Glendale dentist offers a variety of tooth replacement options, but dental implants remain a patient favorite.
Dental Implants are the only tooth replacement option that restores your tooth and your root, making them aesthetically pleasing and conducive to ...
Recently, during a trip to his daughter’s school, Dr. Lucio Kim, your dentist in downtown Glendale, was explaining how dental insurance typically works to another parent. Many Glendale patients may be confused about a balance that is different from their co-pay. We are happy to go over your questions and concerns regarding your estimate.
It’s important to note ...
I see so many blogs about when the best time to see a dentist is. Some say November because of health savings accounts and it gives you time to use the dental insurance for the year. Some say January to have a fresh start and to get a good idea of what to plan for the year. Some say to ...
Here’s to a Healthy new decade!
Did you know that dental health is not isolated to only your mouth?
Recent research shows that oral health is linked to a multitude of overall health issues like coronary artery disease, diabetes complications, pregnancy complications and even Alzheimers.
Even if it’s “been a while” since you've been to your Glendale dentist, don’t lose hope! It’s never ...
Back in your grandparents’ day, dental crowns were looked at as being mainly functional; they protected a damaged tooth so you could use it to chew comfortably again. That’s still one of the goals, of course, but dental crowns in Glendale, CA are also increasingly valued for their aesthetic qualities.
Today, your dentist designs crowns using premium materials like ceramic, ...
Are you confident about scheduling dental appointments, or do you avoid them like the plague because of your dental anxiety?
Millions of people face anxiety about dental visits and miss out on oral health care as a result. But new information about the connection between oral health and overall well-being tells us maintaining a healthy smile is crucial.
For this reason, Dr. ...
Updated in May 2026
People don’t go to the dentist for a lot of reasons. One of the main reasons is: “Nothing hurts.”
Things don’t have to be hurting to have a problem. Diabetes doesn’t hurt until you pass out from a diabetic coma. High blood pressure doesn’t hurt until you have a heart attack.
Both in the amount that they will cover and in what they will pay out for. Leaving you, the patient, with co-pays that are unnecessary.
But what if your MEDICAL insurance would actually pay something?
Wouldn’t that be great? They have no yearly maximums, fewer frequency limitations and sometimes, your deductible isn’t even a factor!
Can this be ...
When I started practicing 20 years ago, the maximum yearly benefit allowed by even the best dental insurance companies was about 1000-1500$. Fillings were about 85-100$. Cleanings were about 45-50$ and crowns were 650$.
As time goes on, services and things, in general, get more expensive. Never cheaper right? Crowns are now north of 900-1000+. Cleanings are 90-100$. And Fillings are ...
No one likes emergencies. Everyone likes to be able to plan their life and their finances around some sort of predictable schedule. Emergencies throw everything into disarray and regular life gets put on hold and that money that you were saving up for that certain something? Yep. Even that’s put on hold bc of the unexpected expense. According to ...
Preventive care is the foundation of a healthy and beautiful smile! Your home care routine combined with consistent visits to your dentist every six months gives your smile the attention it needs to last a lifetime.
Here are some other ways preventive care benefits you.
Are you aware of the direct connection your oral health has ...
Have you been told that you need dental treatment that you feel unsure about? When you are selecting the dental treatment that is right for your needs, you should feel completely comfortable and confident about it. If you don’t, you should follow your gut feeling and seek a second opinion.
If you are considering dental treatment and ...
Do you know whether your dentist provides care outside of normal business hours? Being prepared for a dental emergency can give you peace of mind and a better outcome, should you need to take quick action. When you know you have a resource for emergency dentistry in Glendale, CA, you rest a little easier about an unexpected toothache or ...
Although we can’t always prevent accidents, it’s worth thinking about how you can avoid a dental emergency. Knowing where you can get emergency dentistry in Glendale, CA, is a good idea, too. But how can you prepare not to have a dental emergency?
Here are a few tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy and lower your chances of ...
Updated in October of 2025
As an adult with misaligned or gapped teeth, you might assume orthodontics are just for kids and teens. But that’s no longer the case. Thanks to modern technology, adult orthodontics can discreetly and comfortably straighten your teeth—often in less time than you’d expect.
If crooked, crowded, or uneven teeth make you self-conscious or affect your bite, you ...
Have you considered professional teeth whitening for stained or yellowed teeth? If not, you may have fallen victim to teeth whitening myths! Whether performed in-office or as a take-home kit, professional teeth whitening in Glendale, CA, is popular for many reasons. It’s time to bust the myths that may be keeping you from a brighter smile.
"I see a lot of patients that have issues with dental implants they've had placed. And they always tell "They told me this would last a lifetime".
I tell them "Well, it depends on how long you live".
The thing about dental implants is that while they are an excellent replacement of your teeth, the rare just that, replacements. Not the ...
You've been feeling a little bit sensitive in a tooth for the past couple weeks. It's been coming and going. Not a big deal. But now it's getting a little more frequent and now you're avoiding chewing on that area and it's getting sensitive with even warm drinks now. All of a sudden you wake up in the middle of ...
We've all had it happen: You are walking normally when all of a sudden the curb jumps up and makes you trip and fall. You're playing with your kid and that swing comes out of nowhere to smack you in the face. You are brunching with friends and you bite into a fork or you bite into something hard in ...
A bright, winning smile is a great asset. When you know you look your best, you feel good about yourself, and your confidence grows. And your confidence draws others to you which makes social and business interactions rich and rewarding.
If your once-bright smile needs a boost, professional teeth whitening can help. But you may wonder what caused your smile ...
If you have spent most of your life wishing for a straighter smile, adult orthodontics can be a game-changer. Treatment is fast - in many cases faster than metal braces - so you can achieve your goals in less time and with less inconvenience than you thought possible.
There are several types of adult orthodontics available today, ...
If you are missing one or more teeth, it can be challenging to feel good about yourself. But dental implants in Glendale are a state-of-the-art tooth replacement that can restore your appearance, confidence, and oral health.
When one or more teeth are missing, surrounding teeth often hurt because of the increased strain ...
Are you ready to take your smile to the next level but aren’t sure where to start? It’s great that you have so many options in cosmetic dentistry, but choosing which is best for you can be challenging.
Many people who want a better smile have found the solution in porcelain veneers. Veneers are a popular treatment because they conceal ...
There’s no question that a dental emergency can turn your life upside down. It can seem that one moment everything’s going along fine, then suddenly that little twinge you’ve been feeling turns into a full-blown toothache.
If this has happened to you, you know that your first and only priority was to get relief from the pain and the worry that ...
Do you have a noticeable gap in your smile caused by a missing tooth? If the tooth loss is recent, you may be surprised at how many ways it affects your comfort and confidence. If it’s not recent, you have probably found many clever ways to conceal your smile and shift food in your mouth so you can chew comfortably.
But ...
Are you an adult who’s self-conscious about your crooked or crowded teeth? Do you wish there was an easier solution than years of metal orthodontics?
Fortunately, today you have numerous options that are explicitly designed with the adult lifestyle in mind. Treatment with adult orthodontics is typically more convenient, requires less maintenance, and delivers faster results than bracket and wire braces.
In ...
Your smile is usually the first thing that people notice about you, and when you feel good about the way you look, it shows. Very few of us were born with perfectly beautiful teeth, so there may be things about your smile that bother you and that you would like to change.
Nothing can detract from ...
Do your teeth look longer than they used to? Do you notice sensitivity of your tooth roots?
Both are common effects of gum recession. Many cases of gum recession are related to poor periodontal health, but other reasons include genetics, brushing too hard, misaligned teeth, and even lip piercings.
Healthy gum tissue (gingiva) is bright pink in color ...
Some estimates say that Americans spend 1.4 billion dollars annually in their quest for a bright, head-turning smile, and it’s no wonder! There are very few treatments that can deliver the dramatic results that can be achieved with teeth whitening.
If you would like to get an idea of how popular teeth whitening is, take a stroll down the oral care ...
The experience of losing a tooth can have a profound impact on your quality of life. You probably don’t think much about all the work your teeth do until one is lost; then suddenly the function of your teeth becomes everything.
All your teeth are designed to work together to perform different jobs so you can ...
Having orthodontic treatment is a big decision! Taking this step means that you will make an investment in time and money with the goal of enjoying a straighter, healthier smile that you are proud to show off.
So it can be a relief when you finish treatment and you can enjoy the results. However, you should know that orthodontic treatment does ...
Few cosmetic treatments offer the dramatic smile transformation possible with professional teeth whitening. Having your teeth whitened is an investment, so once you take the step, you want to do everything you can to maintain the sparkling results.
It’s a fact of life - as we age, our tooth enamel thins and becomes more porous. This leads to tooth discoloration ...
The purpose of a study published recently in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was to determine how much patients knew about dental implants. Not a lot, it turns out!
Surveys were completed by 100 patients at the Virginia Commonwealth University Dental School; the first group was patients visiting specifically for implants, and the second was those visiting for ...
Updated in May 2026
If you have had orthodontic treatment, you know that wearing your retainer as instructed is essential. You have invested a lot in your smile, and you’re thrilled with the results, but if you don’t wear your retainer regularly, you risk undoing all the hard work and time you've put in to get to this point. If you ...
We don’t have to tell you that smoking is horrible for your general health, but there are also many ways that the habit affects your oral health. Smokers produce more bacterial plaque than nonsmokers, which contributes to gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
If you are missing one or more of your teeth, ...
1) Fear: According to the American Psychological Association, "fear of the dentist" consistently ranks in the top tier of people's biggest fears. For many reasons, a lot of people just do not like coming to the dentist out of fear. And I get this a lot. Usually this is a deep-seated fear from a painful / bad experience when the patient ...
You’ve gone through orthodontic treatment, and the big day is here! You’ve done everything right, and now it’s time to have your braces removed at our Glendale, CA dental office.
Freedom! Your teeth look great, and you’re ready to ride off into the sunset with your fabulous new smile. But wait. What’s the doctor’s saying about wearing a retainer? You think, ...
If you have fallen behind with your professional dental care, it’s not too late to turn the page to a healthier, more confident smile. Glendale dentist Dr. Lucio Kim is not as concerned with where your oral health is now as much as where it’s going and how we can help.
You can’t have healthy teeth without diligent oral hygiene and ...
This is a question I get a lot. "How long will this filling/crown/root canal/implant last?". It's an important question.
Especially when you are spending the time, physical effort and money on any kind of dental treatment. But unfortunately, no one will be able to give you an accurate answer. The honest answer is "Depends". Why did the tooth need treatment ...
We bet you don't spend a lot of time thinking about your gums - most of don’t. When things are gong along fine, your gums pretty much just sit there and hold your teeth in place. Then you notice your gums are pulling away or your dentist tells you your gums are receding. Then suddenly it seems like all you ...
Remember that slogan from a little way back? Turns out, not so accurate. Have a coke and chances are you will have an artificial smile. The soda companies have such a huge lobby in Washington that it's tough to fight them. Plus there are so many other issues going on right now, that a little bit of sugar doesn't seem ...
Holistic dentistry is crap. Let's not mince words here or beat around the diplomatic bush. It's crap. It doesn't work and is pseudo-science at best. It's the"Alternative Facts" of dentistry with NO sound science or biology to back up its claims.
A friend of mine directed me to this link of how a mom "healed" her child's cavity and asked ...
Although I always say all electric toothbrushes are pretty much the same if you take away all the accessories and bells and whistles, here's a quantifiable article:
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/19/the-best-electric-toothbrush/
Dental implants, in one form or another, have been widely used for over 50 years. In that time, they have become one of the most predictable and successful of all procedures in dentistry. When cared for properly, the success rate for dental implants is about 95%.
One way to ensure the success of dental implants is to find a dentist who ...
So you just broke a tooth.
Something has started to ache in your teeth and you haven't been to the dentist in a few years. Your car has started to make funny noises. You walk into a flooded laundry room. Things in your mouth (and life) sometimes come up unexpectedly.
Hey, that's life right? You have to get it fixed, ...
You finally went ahead and had a professional teeth whitening treatment at our Glendale dental office, and you’re absolutely THRILLED with the results! You’ve gotten everything you expected from your treatment and then some!
Now you want to maintain that beautifully bright smile for as long as possible. It’s not complicated, but it does require a little effort and thought ...
One of the reasons I got into dentistry was that it was rarely life or death.
And while I absolutely take my job seriously, on a bad day, the patient loses a tooth....which we can easily replace. Not TOO horrible, right?
But over the past 18 years, I've been practicing, there have been new developments on how your oral health ...
"Doc, I used to wear braces, but I lost my retainer a long time ago and now these front teeth are getting crooked again"
This is something patients tell me almost on a daily basis. So here's a solution for you. It doesn't involve braces with the ...
When it comes to tooth replacement, there’s little doubt that dental implants are the way to go. The process may seem involved, but it’s really as simple as this – a small titanium post is surgically placed in your jaw bone, allowed to heal, then finished with a functional restoration like a dental crown or denture.
There are many benefits ...
Happy 2017! I hope your new year is starting off well and healthy!
I wanted to blog about "What's in a name".
Some patients have asked me why I didn't name my office "Glendale Dental" or "Glendale Elite Smiles" or something along those lines. They said that it would possibly help me with my Google rankings and ...
When most people think about orthodontic treatment, they have in mind a full set of metal braces worn for a number of years by an awkward-looking adolescent. But with today’s dental technology, many options are available for adults who would like their teeth straightened.
Talk to Dr. Lucio Kim in Glendale about orthodontics if you are an adult who is ...
If there isn't any room for a dental implant...generally we can make room! The dental implant is the best way to replace missing teeth for the long term.
If you want to see if you are a good candidate for implants (most people are), call the office for a ...
Happy December! The end of the year is upon us again!
And the end of the year "getting in for that tooth that's been hurting me all year because I want to use my insurance benefits before they run out at the end of the year and oh are you open on the 25th by the way b/c that's the only ...
Does going to the dentist put knots in your stomach and fear in your heart? Don't worry! You're not alone. There are millions of Americans who feel the same way you do about visiting the dentist and Dr. Lucio Kim can help. We offer sedation dentistry in Glendale to help you relax and feel at ease during your dental procedures. ...
With dental implants needing bone volume to do well, this could be a game changer.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/09/print-demand-bone-could-quickly-mend-major-injuries
"Gold? Really??" is the response I usually get when patients ask me what they should do to restore their teeth. If you need a crown and it's in the back teeth, I will always recommend gold for you. Why? Because it is the "gold standard" by which be judge all other dental restorations. It has been ever since dental ...
Dr. Lucio Kim believes that prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your oral health, however, we also understand that optimum oral health begins at home. You and your dentist are partners, and together with regular cleanings and checkups, and an excellent home care routine, you can prevent a number of oral health issues such as periodontal ...
Any kind of insurance, medical or dental, is increasingly difficulty to navigate these days. But we're here for you to help navigate the intentional maze that is called "dental insurance".
Basically there are 2 main types: HMO and PPO. HMO or DMO assigns you a dentist that you HAVE to go to in order to use the dental insurance. Some ...
The FDA just approved a new nasal spray that will get the majority of the upper teeth numb WITHOUT giving shots!
It's called "Kovanaze" and it could be a game changer for dentists and the dreaded shots for getting numb. Now in all humility, I haven't gotten any complaints about my shots and everyone is pleasantly surprised at how ...
So painful and so annoying.
If you get a canker sore, here are a couple of things you can do:
Daily life is a challenge when you're missing multiple teeth. Chewing your food properly becomes difficult, and this means your nutrition and diet may suffer. Smiling and talking in front of others may feel embarrassing, and this can affect your confidence. The good news is that there are options for replacing multiple missing teeth, and Dr. Lucio Kim can help! ...
So what's new and great in the field of dental implants? Stem cells! What we can do now is that when dental implants/bone growing / sinus lifts/gum surgeries are needed, we can use your own cells to stimulate and augment the healing of the site that was worked on.
We have a nurse come ...
We all get it once in a while. Some people have it all the time.
But sensitivity in your teeth to cold things, sweet things, hot things, hard foods, chewy foods, everything...is a sign of something bigger.
Your teeth are telling you to pay attention. The causes run the whole gamut: gum recession, cavities, really big ...
It's the circle of life. Nothing in your body is independent of everything else.
But for some reason, people disassociate their mouth from the rest of their bodies. It's all the same biology. And your oral health can directly affect other areas of your overall health.
1) Your Heart : Patients with active gum disease or poor gum health overall ...
The kids are back in school. The weather is getting cooler. Leaves are changing color. This means one thing...end of the year!!
And to those of you with FSA /HSA accounts and calendar year insurance benefits, this means that the benefits and money you have is going into the "use it or lose it" mode. Now ...
Are you ready to brighten your smile?
Whether you have a special event coming up or you simply want to improve the smile you see in the mirror every day, we are happy to help.
For our patients in Glendale, teeth whitening using the KöR whitening system provides excellent results, removing years of accumulated, set-in stains. KöR even helps remove stains ...
Just a visual and a "tutorial" of what happens when you put a tooth into soda. Another argument against the soda industry! Even though I loved it every so often as a kid, today it's more popular than water...
This is a good perspective on the "Flossing doesn't work" story...
The parachute analogy is very good. Same reason why they don't do studies on how cigarettes cause cancer. It's just common sense. Letting bacteria sit anywhere in your body for too long going unchecked is never a good idea. Gum disease has been ...
There's been a story going around that essentially says flossing is of no use. If you haven't seen it:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-big-problem-with-flossing/
In all frankness, this is crap. And at the very least irresponsible for the Associated Press to even run with the story. It's the equivalent of saying "Cigarettes: Not that bad after all!" The need for flossing and it's efficacy ...
Going to the dentist probably isn't something you look forward to. We meet with a lot of patients who have anxieties related to the dentist, and we work hard to make our dental office a place where you can feel comfortable getting the care that you need. Keeping up with your dental care is so important, not just for your ...
I get this all the time. Patients don't think that they grind/clench their teeth. And then I show them pictures where their teeth look like they were used to stop Fred Flinstone's car or multiple fracture lines across the teeth or fillings or crowns have made the tooth look like they are ready to explode in slow motion. Then I ...
As dentists, we are fighting a losing battle with the sugar industry.
The number of money companies like CocaCola put out for advertising is no match for the PSA blurbs by dental associations. Sodas, energy drinks, energy bars, granola bars, cereals, "health - organic" products are pumped full of sugar. And this puts us a health care practitioners at a ...
Since they were first utilized in the 1950s, the materials and techniques have come such a long way to give patients a better and more predictable way to replace missing teeth. The materials have gotten better. Instead of commercially pure titanium, now the dental implants are made of titanium alloy. Instead of ...
This is a question I answer almost on a daily basis. I would make sure you NEED to lose the tooth. Although it may be for just a little bit longer, I would still want to retain my own, natural teeth. But the implant is definitely a choice rather than the bridge. The bridge needs to essentially destroy the teeth ...
There is a way to use your own blood to augment healing in surgical procedures. What we do is simply draw from your own body and spin it down in a high-speed medical centrifuge. What this does is isolates all your healing factors, growth factors, and stem cells. We then implant these items ...
It's exciting to consider dental implants as an option for restoring your missing tooth! Dental implants are by far the best investment you can make in restoring your smile and your oral health. This is because they replace both your root and your tooth, which restores and protects the integrity of your teeth and jawbone. If you're considering 91207 dental ...
Your tooth is like an iceberg.
A lot of important surfaces are underneath the gums and in between the teeth where the toothbrush simply cannot reach.
Brushing is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping your teeth for the rest of your life. Once a cavity takes hold, it is very very difficult to ...
Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco-based products brings a multitude of foreign chemicals into your mouth and in turn allows for a lot of negative side. And it is these side effects of smoking can have major consequences ...
More adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth. It’s no surprise, either, considering the innovative new orthodontic technologies that are available! People often associate braces with the awkward teenage years, and as a mature professional, the last thing you want is a flashback to middle school. Fortunately, today’s orthodontics for adults are both subtle and effective, allowing you ...
Updated in January 2026
No one wants to hear that they have a cavity, but the truth is that tooth decay is a common dental issue. We recommend a routine exam and cleaning every six months to remove the stubborn plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay. These preventive visits also make it possible to identify cavities early before they ...
The gums that surround and hold the teeth in place in your mouth can be affected by a number of conditions that can result in them receding…or moving away from the teeth.
The few main causes of gum recession are 1) brushing too hard 2) bruxism or clenching/grinding of your teeth 3) genetics 4) a history of braces 5) smoking ...
How do I choose a toothpaste??
The dental aisle used to just be a dental “section”. Go to Target now and it’s dizzying, so I’ll make it easy.
They are mostly all the same. The packaging is different. But essentially all the ingredients are the same.
So what is important? Fluoride for one. They all have the same strength in ...
After your treatment, we will discuss how to best care for your mouth while it heals after an implant procedure. Certain behaviors like smoking and drinking through a straw can cause a painful dry socket. Keeping the area clean and free of food particles will help you heal faster and avoid irritation.
You’re probably used to getting second opinions for home improvement projects, or repairs to your car, but should you get a second opinion when it comes to dental work?
The short answer is yes. After all, some services at the dentist can be an investment, and you want to feel completely confident in ...
I get a lot of appointments for "2nd opinion" consults. A lot. Some of it is for work already performed and some of it is for work that is proposed in a treatment plan. Let me preface this diatribe with the admission that I am not perfect, I have had failures and I have had unhappy patients. But any ...
Gum recession is a serious and common dental concern. In most cases, it is caused by the progression of gum disease either through tobacco use or poor oral hygiene, but there are alternative causes such as genetics, hormones, and harmful brushing habits. Unfortunately, even after gum disease is treated, gums will not grow back, which can leave them open to ...
Really. I don't care if you brush.
Sounds odd coming from a dentist.
But if you do one thing to keep your teeth until you die...or at least have any hope of keeping your teeth until you die, then FLOSS. Floss, floss, floss. Then floss some more. Part of my job as a dentist is not only to fix your teeth ...
Gum disease is an issue that affects nearly fifty-percent of Americans. If left untreated, minor gum disease can progress to periodontal disease, which will start to cause your gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. Though there are a few ways to repair receding gums from laser treatment to surgical grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is one ...
Welcome to my very first blog posting!
And I know it is a bit belated, but wanted to wish you and your loved ones a very happy 2016 filled with laughter, blessed with good health and (of course) many, many smiles! I promise to make these blogs as informative and relevant as possible! As always, if you or ...
Finding the right dentist for you and your family can be difficult, especially when there are a lot of options to choose from. Visiting several dental offices to find one that will fit your needs is exhausting, especially when you can check for key services to help find a dental office that stands out and meets your standards. At Dr. ...